Information for Cardholders

‍Where can I use my National Assistance Card?

You can use your Card in any situation where you may need understanding or assistance. For example:

• At shops, cafes, hotels and cinemas

• At banks, Centrelink and other government departments

• At airports, on buses, trains, trams, taxis and Ubers

• With family, friends and work colleagues

• With emergency services, such as police, ambulance or fire.

Why should I use my National Assistance Card?

Your Card can be helpful in public places when you need understanding or support.

Examples of how you may choose to use your Card include:  

• To ask for understanding or help

• To request more time to complete an activity

• To avoid explaining your disability needs out loud

• When you’re feeling overwhelmed, confused, or unsafe.

Important

The National Assistance Card explains a cardholder's unique areas of difficulty. It does not make a cardholder exempt from the law.  

The National Assistance Card is a community service. It is not an official identity card or legal document.  

Tips for using your National Assistance Card

1. Communicate with confidence

Practice using the National Assistance Card by saying:

• “Hi, I need help. Please look at my card.”
• “This card tells you how to help me.”
• “Please read this card to understand me.”
• “Please call my contact person. Their number is on this card.”

2. Use the Card to educate others

If someone doesn't know about the Card, you can say, “This Card helps people with disability tell others what they need.”

3. Keep your Card easily accessible

You can keep your Card in your wallet, phone case, or on a lanyard.

4. Keep your Card information up to date

Check your Card often to make sure the details are still right. Contact the National Assistance Card team if you need to make changes.

Testimonials

"If I get stuck I can hold up my Card and it says on the back 'here are the things I have trouble with' and 'here's how you can help'."
- Bridget, Cardholder

Visit our Testimonial page here to hear from other cardholders what the Card means for them and how they have used their Card.

I need to update the information on my Card. What should I do?

The National Assistance Card provides key information about your needs. Keeping your Card up to date helps to make it a useful tool when you need it most.  

If your needs change or you need to update your details, you can fill out this form here or reach out to the National Assistance Card team for assistance. You can send us an email at info@nationalassistancecard.com.au or call 1300 680 045.

Remember: You can change or add information linked to the QR code on your Card without replacing your Card!

I have lost my National Assistance Card. What should I do?

You can request a replacement card by filling out this form here.

You can also contact the National Assistance Card Service at info@nationalassistancecard.com.au or on 1300 680 045.

A replacement Card will cost $22.